Research Scientist and Curator of Herpetology (f/m/d)

Research Scientist and Curator of Herpetology (f/m/d)

Senckenberg – Leibniz Institution for Biodiversity and Earth System Research (SGN), headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, is seeking to fill the following position in the Department of Terrestrial Zoology at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, starting as soon as possible.

Location: Frankfurt

Scope: full‑time / part‑time options are available.

Type of contract: Tenure Track, initially limited to a maximum of six years. A permanent extension is possible.

Remuneration: Collective agreement of the state Hesse (TV‑H) / E13.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative evolutionary and/or ecological research that makes use of the extensive herpetological collections
• Take advantage of a broad scope of methods (e.g. bioacoustics, molecular or genomic methods, modern imaging techniques, machine learning) to address questions of amphibian and/or reptile evolution, systematics and/or ecology (incl. conservation or disease ecology)
• Preserve, curate and develop the herpetological collection; guide the transformation of the collection into the digital era
• Publish scientific results in international scientific journals
• Acquire third‑party funding to establish a herpetological working group
• Provide scientific guidance to technical staff and support to guests and young scientists in collections‑based research
• Contribute to our vocational training of museum technicians
• Active participation in the SGN programs incl. dialogue with the general public

Your profile

• PhD in Biology or related field
• Internationally recognized scientific expertise with respect to current career level
• Species knowledge, taxonomic expertise and an understanding of evolutionary biology research in the field of herpetology
• Knowledge of modern herpetological research methods (e.g. bioacoustics, molecular methods, and/or modern imaging techniques, including X‑ray diagnostics)
• Experience in scientific work with and digital development of herpetological collections
• Experience and clear vision of attracting third‑party funding
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; willingness to learn German is appreciated
• Experience in or willingness to lead a research and collections team

We offer

• access to an international network of scientists, policymakers and research organizations
• an attractive job within the inspired and dynamic working environment of an internationally recognized research institution
• flexible working hours – mobile working options – employee ID card with free admission to Senckenberg museums – annual special payment – collectively agreed vacation entitlement – company pension plan

Senckenberg is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our staff and welcome every application from qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and ideology, sexual orientation and identity or disability. Women are particularly encouraged to apply, as they are underrepresented in the field of this position; in the case of equal qualifications and suitability they will be given preference. Applicants with a severe disability will be given special consideration in case of equal suitability. Senckenberg actively supports the compatibility of work and family and places great emphasis on an equal and inclusive work culture.